The Incas held the crop to be sacred and referred to quinoa as "chisaya mama" or "mother of all grains".
Quinoa is closely related to species such as beets, spinach and tumbleweeds. The leaves can also be eaten as a leaf vegetable but are currently not widely available commercially.
INTRODUCTION VIDEO:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7uvygMiwfo&feature=fvwUse as an alternative in any recipes where you would use white rice or couscous.
The Basic Quinoa Recipe
1 1/2 cups water
1 cup quinoa
Place quinoa and water in a 3 pint saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, cover and cook until all the water is absorbed (about 15 minutes). You will know that the quinoa is done when all the grains have turned from white to transparent, and the spiral-like germ has separated. Makes 3 cups.
TWITTER TIPS and FOOD BLOGGER LINKS:
@
paigedansinger if you roast your quinoa in your pot first before adding water...it imparts fabulous nutty rich taste...Once tried cannot go back! ... make your tabouli with quinoa! Also great cold in a salad, or with avocado drizzled in olive oil... Endless uses, all amazing!!!!
Have fun with it!! Roast chicken with it, mix in a pilaf, mix it in scrambled eggs, put it in waffle mix, purée for babyfood..
@
smittytabb Quinoa - what a great food it is. Learned so much about it in Ecuador where you can see it growing everywhere along the roads
Black bean and quinoa chili
http://closetcooking.blogspot.com/2008/07/black-bean-and-quinoa-chili.htmlCrusted Mahi Mahi and quinoa with vegetables (@
savorthethyme )
http://savorthethyme.blogspot.com/2009/06/fast-frugal-friday-crusted-mahi-mahi_26.htmlKale wrap with quinoa, adzuki beans and avocado (@
ilikegranola )
http://www.ilikegranola.com/2009/06/23/recipe-kale-wrap-with-quinoa-adzuki-beans-and-avocado/Quinoa and asparagus chowder
http://www.newtaste.com/quinoachowder.htmlQuinoa and black bean salad with smoky lime dressing
http://superspark.wordpress.com/2008/07/04/quinoa-and-black-bean-salad-with-smoky-lime-dressing/Sweet potato and quinoa salad (@
recessionrecipe)
http://recessionrecip.es/2009/06/25/a-week-of-salads-part-4-southwestern-sweet-potato-and-quinoa-salad/RECIPE LINKS:
Butternut squash chilli with quinoa
http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/4888/butternut-squash-chilli-with-quinoaOrganic quinoa cornbread
https://www.organicuniverse.com/organicforum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=21Quinoa, herb and pomegranate salad
http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/4545/quinoa-herb-and-pomegranate-saladQuinoa rice pilau with dill and roasted tomatoes
http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/1607/quinoa-rice-pilau-with-dill-and-roasted-tomatoesRed quinoa, feta and spinach salad
http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/8176/red-quinoa-feta-and-spinach-saladSpicy vegetable and quinoa laksa
http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/2577/spicy-vegetable-and-quinoa-laksarecipe collection
http://www.quinoa.net/181.html includes pilaf, tabouli, lasagne, croquettes
